No loss of focus as Lions gear up for crunch Indonesia clash

MANILA – When asked if the Lions were affected by veteran defender Baihakki Khaizan’s comments on social media – where the centre-back expressed unhappiness over a member of the coaching team – on Wednesday (Nov 23), national head coach V.Sundramoorthy’s answer was short and to the point.

“We’re just focusing on the game (against Indonesia),” he replied.

It was understandable that the 51-year-old did not want to dwell on Baihakki’s outburst, especially with his team’s chances of progressing to the semi-finals of the Suzuki Cup still in the balance.

Singapore, who are currently third in Group A with one point from two games, will likely need a victory in their final group game against Indonesia on Friday (Nov 25) to reach the last four.

And Sundram was keen to emphasise that his team, who played out a goalless draw against the Philippines last Saturday (Nov 19) before losing 0-1 to Thailand on Tuesday (Nov 22), were in good spirits as they get ready for the clash against Indonesia.

“The spirit in the team could not be better, everyone’s in a good mood and ready to do battle,” the former Singapore international said.

“So far, it’s been two good matches for us. We were unfortunate against Thailand, because we should have got something against them.

“But now our focus is on Indonesia, who are a very good team with many good players. But we have analysed them, and we’ll come up with a game plan to exploit their weaknesses while negating their strengths.”

Indeed, there appeared to be no signs of any ill-will or tension within the team during Lions’ hour-long training session at the Rizal Memorial Stadium on Thursday.

Instead, the players appeared to be in good spirits and looked motivated as Sundram and his coaching team, which includes local football icon Fandi Ahmad, put them through their paces.

This positive attitude will be needed if the Lions are to get a result against the Indonesians, who have looked sharp in attack at this tournament, having scored four goals in two games.

However, Indonesia have also been porous at the back. They have conceded six goals so far, and Singapore striker Khairul Amri (above) told TODAY that he and his teammates are confident of scoring their first goals of the tournament against the Garuda.

“We will treat this game as a must-win, and we can’t go out there expecting to play for a draw,” said Amri.

“We’ve been working on our finishing during training as well. We’re all fired up for this match and we’ll definitely be looking to attack them.”

As the pitch at the Rizal Memorial Stadium where the match will be held is artificial, national vice-captain Hariss Harun (above) believes the Lions have the advantage of familiarity going into the match.

“I would like to think that playing on an artificial pitch will give us an edge because this turf is similar to the one that we had at Jalan Besar Stadium a couple of years ago,” explained Hariss.

“Even the size of the pitch is pretty similar, so I hope we can capitalise on this advantage. But ultimately, I think the team that turns up will get the result. Everyone is focused and encouraging each other, and we know what we have to do.”

With Indonesia needing a win to have any chance of progressing to the next round, head coach Alfred Riedl declared that his team will go on the attack right from the start.

“This will be an interesting match because both teams have to win,” said Riedl. “We will not play for the draw and neither will Singapore, so I’m expecting very interesting offensive football being played.

“At least I hope so, because I like this type of matches more than if one team is being more defensive. But then again, it’s their right how they choose to play football.

“We are prepared for any team that Singapore will put out, but our mind-set is to attack.”

All photos by Jason Quah/TODAY

HOW THE LIONS CAN QUALIFY
* If Thailand beat Philippines by two goals or more: Singapore need to draw
* If Thailand beat Philippines by one goal: Singapore need to win
* If Thailand draw with Philippines: Singapore need to win
* If Philippines beat Thailand: Singapore will be out of the competition
* If Thailand beat Philippines 1-0 and Singapore draw 2-2: Lots will be drawn by organising committee to decide whether Philippines or Singapore progress.

LIVE ON TV:
Singapore v Indonesia match (7.30pm, Singtel TV Ch114 and StarHub Ch208)
Thailand v Philippines (7.30pm, Ch115 and Ch209)